I spoke with a few attorneys before I found Mello & Pickering. The other attorneys sounded out of touch and cold to my situation. I called to set up a consult with Traci Pickering and immediately felt like I was talking to someone who had my boys best interest at heart. She focused on the facts and helped me feel at ease. I cannot say enough that she is the one to have in your corner! What an inspiration it is to have an extremely professional and strong woman to help you through this incredibly scary and uncertain process. If you're in need of help, she is the one to go to!

• Respect of her peers • Competence • Minimizes Client Fees • Highest Ethical Standards • Professional Network Traci Pickering represented me in the most challenging case of her career. The case took nearly four years to complete due to the complexity of the issues and the antics and tactics of the first opposing counsel. Over this time period, I came to know the breadth and depth of Traci’s expertise in family law, her character and how she performs under extremely adverse conditions. 1. Peer Respect: Following the recommendation in the ‘Divorce Handbook for California’ – by Judge James Stewart, a former Santa Clara family law judge, I interviewed many different law firms before selecting one for representation. Of the nine interviewed, several of those firms were not a good match for the complexities of my case but they suggested Traci Pickering of Mello & Pickering. It was readily apparent Traci had the respect of her peers and I found their respect for her to be certainly justified. She is the finest family law attorney in Santa Clara County. 2. Competence: During the initial interview process, Traci was one of only two of the attorneys I interviewed that readily grasped the complexities of this case. Throughout the nearly four years it took to complete the divorce proceedings, she repeatedly demonstrated she readily understood the law, the legal /financial implications of various situations and could thus advise on the best course of action. She was always well prepared for all the court proceedings and consultations. 3. Minimizes Client Fees: On many occasions, Traci advised me on ways to reduce or limit the amount of legal fees and billable hours I would incur. Even though Traci and her firm, Mello & Pickering, would make less money, she put the interests of the client first. Her thoughtfulness towards controlling costs and expenses was deeply appreciated. 4. Highest Ethical Standards: At least twice during my case, Traci demonstrated an extraordinary adherence to the highest ethical standards. a. In one instance, she put herself at risk of receiving sanctions from the court to counter the misbehavior of the opposing counsel. But she chose to put the interests of the integrity of the legal system and the interest of her client ahead of her own interests. I do not think most other attorneys would have done the same in that situation. b. In another instance, she chose the moral high ground in an extremely difficult situation even though such a course of action would be detrimental to her own revenue stream. She did it because it was the right thing to do. Such demonstrated adherence to the highest ethical standards provides the client comfort in knowing that Traci will always act in their best interests. She puts the client first. 5. Professional Network: For clients, the advantage of Traci’s reputation for integrity, competence and the respect of her peers is to provide access to the best forensic accounts, occupational specialists, mediators and other experts when needed during a case. The very best professionals are willing to work with Traci. This is a critical but rarely appreciated consideration when consumers are seeking representation because most consumers have not had any previous experience with the legal system and do not understand the importance of these functions in a family law case. To achieve the most favorable outcome requires a team working on behalf of the client’s interest; the family law attorney organizes and orchestrates the team. Traci has fostered the relationships to allow her to create the best team for each case. This includes the outside experts but also includes the excellent Mello & Pickering internal staff, Janelle and Franchesca. If an attorney is needed for a family law case, retain Traci Pickering. She has the expertise, the highest ethical standards, the respect of her peers and she cares deeply about her client

Ms Pickering and Ms Colon were amazing throughout my entire divorce process. They answered every question thoroughly, always explained my options and had the understanding that this was a difficult and emotional time. The support Mello & Pickering gave me the year and a half I worked with them was amazing. I will always be appreciative of Ms Pickering and Ms Colon.

Traci and her team are wonderful. I had a few other phone interviews before Traci and nothing felt right until speaking with her. I hired her on the spot when we met and she got the ball rolling full steam ahead. My divorce was finalized in seven months start to finish. Traci is very kind and considerate but incredibly smart and strong in the courtroom. She knows how to get the job done. She was very honest with me about what things cost and if it would be in my best interest. I appreciate all that she did for me and my case. If you are looking for an attorney that is honest and trustworthy someone who can handle the most difficult of personalities with grace and a good sense of humor to make you smile in the most difficult of times; she’s your woman.

Traci & Emily have a natural gift for law and their depth of knowledge is unmatched. Both are passionate about their profession, very honest, caring and most importantly really capable of defending their clients interest. I was impressed with their arguments when it matters. I strongly recommend Mello & Pickering for matters regarding Family Law.

I was in between a couple attorneys and just wasn't sure about what I was being told or lead to believe. I was referred to Traci from a family friend. Within an hour of sitting with Traci i understood and learned more from her than anyone else. She was very honest and made me feel very comfortable and even accepting of my situation.

When it comes to family law and choosing the best representation, there is only one firm to work with – Mello & Pickering. Traci, Jennifer and their staff are experienced, knowledgeable and professional. They care about you as an individual and work diligently to provide the best outcome for your situation. I had a very complicated divorce, financial settlement and custody agreement. Tracy was there every step of the way with sound advice as she walked me through the legal process. Their intimate knowledge of the legal system, opposing counsel and the judges were critical in developing a strategy and delivering arguments that provided the best outcome. I highly recommend the firm of Mello & Pickering to everyone that approaches me with the need for counsel regarding Divorce and Family Law. They are the best in the business and I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done for my family.

I engaged the services of Traci for a matter, which required some professional attention. In the course of our collaboration on the matter, I got a chance to learn much about Traci’s style, skills, ethics – which I will like to share – 1/ Traci is worth the rates that she charges. It is not only because of her superior legal mind, but also how she manages her time, and consequently, your expenses. She is a modern lawyer, knowing how to use email, word, and excel to improve her productivity in business (yes, I know how weird that sounds – but law is always a little behind modern times). Going to courts can be expensive, and there is always a fine balance between "selling the farm" to get a good representation and cutting corners. Working with Traci, I never felt that I was making such choices. 2/ Traci works to help people – If you are looking for services to “get even” with someone, she is most likely not your person. While she is very empathetic, I do not think she views providing the “sympathize, and then bill” types of legal services. Traci is a doer. She is action-oriented and will seek quickest path to resolve issues. 3/ Traci is smart, and she knows math: Ultimately, all negotiations come down to numbers. Traci does not belong to the class of apologists who view illiteracy in math as something just as insignificant as a bad golf swing. In times of closing deals, it helps a lot when your legal representation can keep up with numbers (to know if the offer is valid or not), without pulling out a calculator each time. 4/ Lastly, Traci cares about doing a fantastic job. All the times I met her for a face to face meeting, I wondered what was wrong (with me), since she was more passionate/stressed about *my* matter than me. It is vital for Traci to serve with excellence, and in all my interactions, I saw nothing but her achieving her own high bars of excellence.

I never saw myself hiring a divorce attorney, and I can tell you first hand there is a very wide range of quality of representation in this profession. At least 3 attorneys never called me back. Their staffs did, but only to let me know how much they would need up front. While law is a business, I found these practices treated their clients as money funnels and couldn't care less about the specifics of the case or whether or not their clients felt comfortable in their hands. Family law clients are always at their most vulnerable, so finding an attorney you can trust with your life and future is paramount. In the end Traci Pickering was recommended to me by a friend, and her behavior couldn't be more different. She not only talked to me and laid out the worst case scenario of my situation, but she also offered to come on as a consultant to save me money. In the end I needed to go to full representation and she was very conscientious about my funds, her and her staff fees, and was extremely responsive to any questions and concerns. She made certain that her actions aligned with my wishes at all times. I couldn't have asked for a better attorney. For one of the hearings I worked with her partner (Jennifer Mello) and I can absolutely recommend her as well. Due to the extreme thoroughness, professionalism, and excellence of Mello & Pickering representation I am able to move on with my life and my future is mine.

Went through a divorce and need legal representation. Traci was recommend through a friend of a friend as being a strong and effective lawyer. I felt confident with Traci and her abilities from the first consultation. She is very thorough and let me know my options and always felt I was more than adequately represented. She was always very conscious of my financial situation and never did anything unnecessarily regarding my case and was extremely efficient by using support staff when my case didn't warrant her immediate attention. Traci (and staff) are wonderful to deal with, friendly and empathetic. I retained her one more time after the divorce was final to enforce items from the MSA which were not being followed through on. The outcome of the divorce and the follow-up enforcement met all my expectations. Nobody wants to seek legal help if they can avoid it...but I would highly recommend Traci and the staff at MELLO & PICKERING, LLP for any family law issues that you may need representation for.